Caregiver Burnout for Family Members

Caregiver Burnout can easily reach an unhealthy breaking point. How do you manage your needs with the needs of your loved one?

Providing care for someone you love can be very rewarding but also overwhelming at times. Its natural to feel stressed and anxious about the constant needs your loved requires. Returning the love and attention you have received from your loved one is a noble cause but just be sure to take of yourself during this process so that you can be a better caregiver in the long term.

.

Unfortunately, caring for a loved one can also involve many stressors like:

Changing family dynamics

Financial strain

Balancing other priorities like marriage, children and work

Family dynamics

Feeling isolated without additional help

These stressors culminate over time and can become detrimental, especially if you are required to provide long-term care. Without additional support, caregiver’s are at risk of developing physical and emotional problems.

Common signs and symptoms of caregiver stress:

Anxiety, depression, irritability

Feeling tired and run down

Difficulty sleeping

Overreacting to minor frustrations

New or worsening health problems

Family caregiver’s need to be aware of these signs and symptoms and remember that caregiver’s need care too. Anxiety, depression, irritability

Feeling tired and run down

Difficulty sleeping

Overreacting to minor frustrations

New or worsening health problems

Retire-At-Home Services in Toronto, East York and North York recommends caregivers have scheduled time off so that they can have anticipated breaks from their responsibilities, and recharge their energy. Knowing that someone can look after their loved one, the caregiver would be able to schedule appointments, relaxation, fun, or care for themselves during these times. It is an important time to reconnect socially with friends and experience light-heartedness outside of their caregiving role.

Caregiving for a loved one is often referred to as ‘a marathon, rather than a sprint’. The more support given to the caregiver, the longer the caregiver can ward off burnout. Giving the family caregiver respite benefits everyone.